Minnesota Veterinary Hospital Blog

According to Dr. Marty Becker of the Fear Free Pet Initiative, 1.4 million American dogs and cats have diabetes mellitus. This condition causes blood sugar, known as glucose, to raise to unsafe levels. Pets with diabetes either have too little insulin in their body or their body doesn’t know how to use glucose appropriately. Unfortunately, the rate of animal diabetes is increasing as fast as it is in humans. Currently, the disease affects one in 200 cats and one in 500 dogs. Burmese cats and the Australian Terrier, Samoyed, Schnauzer, and Toy Poodle dog breeds tend to receive the diagnosis most often.

Between the constantly ringing doorbell, little people dressed in costumes, and treats and decorations they’re not supposed to touch, the Halloween season can be a stressful one for dogs and cats. While your pet may not enjoy this holiday nearly as much as your human family members do, you can take several steps to at least make it tolerable. This starts with not tempting your dog or cat with human treats.